At least five suspected members of the Boko Haram sect were killed on Sunday in the Biu are of Borno State when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated unexpectedly, the Joint Task Force confirmed.

Borno State JTF field operations officer, Col. Victor Ebhaleme confirmed the incident, saying the unplanned explosion had occurred after the team had received some intelligence of a planned attack.

He said: “We got information that some Boko Haram terrorists were planning to invade Maiduguri from Biu town, 187 kilometers away with a view of causing crises”.

The operatives headed to Biu town only to find the IED had exploded, leaving behind parts and pieces of suspected sect members, Ebhaleme confirmed in a phone interview.

The men also recovered several weapons, including “three GPMGs, five AK47 magazines, 73 rounds of ammunition and some IED components. Ebhaleme also revealed that two suspects attempting to flee the bomb making factory were arrested.

The operations officer urged residents in Biu to remain calm, assuring that the JTF is handling the security challenges in Borno state, said to be the heartland of the Boko Haram sect.

Biu is one of the five council areas under the state of emergency declared by President Goodluck Jonathan at the start of the year.

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